Welcome to New Brunswick, where we occasionally dine on the ocean floor at low tide like it’s no big deal—except it is a big deal.
It’s a very big deal – here’s why.
The province of New Brunswick is a sought-after tourism destination for many great reasons: its stunning sandy beaches, lighthouses, history and culture, and, of course, its fresh seafood and coastal treats like fried clams.
But we’re also very well known for the Bay of Fundy.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Bay of Fundy, this magical part of the ocean boasts the highest tides in the world, and New Brunswick is right in the middle of this impressive tidal action. Twice a day, the tide drops dramatically for six hours before rising again.
It’s essentially our party trick. We make the bay disappear and reappear twice a day on a schedule.
To put things in perspective, with the rise of each tide, 160 billion gallons of water fill the Bay of Fundy. That number may not seem like a lot, but it’s equivalent to the cascading water from both the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls… For ONE year and NINE months 🤯
And you should know I’ve got a major coastal crush on the Bay of Fundy.
So when I first heard that the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park would offer an incredibly unique dining experience on the ocean floor this summer, I couldn’t resist reaching out to learn more.
The opportunity for low-tide dining just 45 minutes from Moncton? Shell yes.
Taste the Tides is an otherworldly dining experience offered at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. I would bet my bottom sand dollar that it will surely be a unique and memorable time for locals AND visitors to the region.
All thanks to the highest tides in the world emptying the Bay of Fundy daily, eager guests can experience a three-course meal like no other on the ocean floor surrounded by the sea stacks (flower pot rocks) that Hopewell Rocks is known for prepared by the park’s Chef Anthony Seamone and offered eight times throughout the summer, now through September 19th, 2025.
And let me tell you – you’re certainly not roughing it dining on the ocean floor.
Our evening began with easily one of the best interpretive tours I’ve ever had at Hopewell Rocks with the legendary Paul Gaudet, our interpreter for the evening. And yes, he is a legend and one of the first names to be mentioned whenever you have a conversation with someone local to the area about Hopewell Rocks. He’s also a fabulous person to ask about the many birds in the park, most notably the peregrine falcons who call the Hopewell Rocks home and attract visitors worldwide.
Paul took us to several stunning scenic overlooks throughout the park, and we had the opportunity to see the Bay of Fundy in action as the water receded right before our eyes in a perfect line. Again, how many places in the world can you see something as neat as this phenomenon?
He also made sure that everyone in our group, including a darling couple visiting from Virginia, was well-versed on how the tides work and why our tides in the Bay of Fundy are extra unique. I’ve visited the Hopewell Rocks many times, and I’ve never truly had an immersive experience like this, nor did I think I’d still learn cool facts about the tides that blow my mind all these years later.
You’re not just getting an incredible dining experience—you’re also learning about the features that make Hopewell Rocks so special.
Once you’ve had the opportunity to snap the perfect photos, you’ll be whisked away by a cozy shuttle to descend 99 stairs to the ocean floor. It sounds dramatic, but I promise you it’s not. Though you’ll want to pace yourself when you come back up those stairs after dinner! You can just tell the others you’re stopping to take a photo.
When you’ve reached the ocean floor, you may be excited and eager to get to your dining cove but don’t forget to stop and take it all in. At this point in the evening, the view is something else, and if I’m being honest, it still takes my breath away all these years later. Your interpreter will take you along the shore and through the famous flower pot rocks, such as Lover’s Arch, to a gorgeous stretch, Castle Cove, where your table (and culinary team) awaits.
From this moment forward, the true dining experience begins, and let’s just say that when it came to the details, the Hopewell Rocks team went above and beyond. From the personalized place cards and corresponding menu displayed on the table to the beautiful centrepiece with personal touches inside—I have to keep a few things secret, folks!
When you book the event, you’re given the choice of four set menus, each with its own appetizer, main course, and dessert. We both opted for the deconstructed lobster ravioli for our main course, which, in a pleasant twist, also included scallops and shrimp.
Our appetizer was a delightful Hopewell Salad with greens, roasted pecans, local berries, red onion, vinaigrette, and house-made cheese. And our dessert was strawberry shortcake, complete with locally foraged dandelion syrup. It was easily one of the best strawberry shortcakes I’ve ever had.
Throughout the evening, you’re also served a wine tasting of Magnetic Hill Winery wines that are specifically paired to your dinner choices. Upon arrival at your table, you will find a beautiful charcuterie board with homemade Boursin cheese and hummus.
Just as impressive as the meal was the phenomenal customer service from the entire team who were so attentive and a delight to chat with. And, of course, while you’re seated at tables for two or four, depending on the size of your party, it’s impossible not to get to know the other diners in your group and make new friends throughout the evening.
And while you may be tempted to stay for sunset after dessert has been served and enjoyed, it will be time for your group to be whisked back to reality before the Bay of Fundy tides do their thing and transform your dining cove into an underwater world once again.
After you’ve climbed the 99 stairs to the top – your shuttle will await to bring you back to the parking lot so you can journey back to wherever you’re staying that night. And I promise, when you lay your head on the pillow, you’ll dream about this amazing evening and relive it all over again.
To learn more about Taste the Tides and to book one of the coveted summer 2025 dates, splash over to the NB Parks Website.
Disclaimer: We were hosted by the team at The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park however all opinions are my own and my opinion is that we had a fabulous time and I would absolutely do this again in a heartbeat with friends and family. Who wants to go?
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